How common is it to get a first class degree?

In the UK, the percentage of people getting first-class degrees has significantly risen, reaching around 30-36% in recent years (2020-2022) after being much rarer (around 7% in the 90s), though figures vary by university, subject, and year, with drops to about 30% in 2023, but still representing a large proportion of UK graduates.

Are first class degrees common?

First-class honours, referred to as a "first", is the highest honours classification and indicates high academic achievement. Historically, first-class honours were uncommon, but since 2019 a first has been awarded to nearly thirty percent of graduates of British universities.

How difficult is it to get a first class degree?

It can be very hard depending on the subject, your natural aptitude and study habits. Most universities use a weighted average, so the majority of the mark 50--70% comes from the final year, a small amount will come from second year, and possibly 0--15% comes from first year.

How valuable is a first class degree?

Achieving a higher class, such as first-class honours or upper second-class honours, can make a significant difference when applying for jobs or further study. For future employers, these classifications provide a clear indication of a candidate's academic abilities and work ethic.

What are the top 3 hardest degrees?

The most difficult majors require extensive study time, more STEM courses, and a solid foundation in math. Chemistry, engineering, and physics are generally considered some of the hardest college majors available to undergraduates.

Why You Don't Need a First Class University Degree

What is a strong first class degree?

First-Class Honours (1st) (70% and above): Exceptional academic performance. Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) (60-70%): Strong performance, most common degree class. Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) (50-60%): Satisfactory performance, widely accepted by employers.

How prestigious are first class honours?

It also demonstrates an ability to undertake high-level study. Achievement of a First Class Honours degree means the recipient performed at the highest academic level and indicates that they have had an introduction to independent research.

Is a 2.1 better than a first?

First-Class Honours (70% and above): a first class degree, usually referred to as a 'first' or 1st, is the highest honours degree you can achieve. Upper Second-Class Honours (60-70%): there are two levels of second class degree. An upper second class, known as a 2:1 or two-one, is the higher of the two levels.

How common are firsts?

Across the 143 providers included in this analysis, the proportion of students awarded a first class degree has also fallen for two successive years, from 33.3 percent in 2021-22 to 29.6 per cent in 2022-23.

What is the #1 easiest major?

There's no single #1 easiest major, as it depends on your strengths, but Psychology, Education, English, and Criminal Justice frequently rank as the easiest due to higher average GPAs and less demanding technical skills compared to STEM fields, often focusing on human behavior, societal structures, and communication. Majors like Sociology, Social Work, and Communications are also commonly cited as easier liberal arts options. 

How does a first-class degree affect salary?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, bachelor's degree holders earn 68% more (opens in a new window) 1 than those with only a high school diploma. The earnings gap between college graduates and those without continues to widen.

What is the hardest degree to get a 1st in?

Hardest Degrees

• Engineering. Engineering carries a reputation for being one of the hardest uni courses because it blends advanced maths, physics and real-world problem solving. ...
• Chemical Engineering. ...
• Computer Science. ...
• Medicine. ...
• Law. ...
• Architecture. ...
• Mathematics. ...
• Philosophy.

What is the most common degree to get?

The most popular college majors in the United States are business, health, and social sciences, according to data from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). Of the 2 million bachelor's degrees conferred in the US during the 2021-2022 school year, these three majors made up almost 40 percent [1].

Is it easier to get a first now?

The Myth of Grade Inflation

Some people argue this is just grade inflation and that it's “easier” now to walk away with a first. But universities have introduced new regulations and stricter marking criteria to make sure a first-class honours degree still represents high academic standards.

What is the most common degree grade?

Almost half of all students achieved an upper second or 2.1, with 20 percent obtaining a lower second or 2.2, and just four percent of graduates obtained a third, the lowest possible pass grade.

Can I still do a master's with a 2 2?

Can you do a Master's with a 2.2? The short answer is yes, absolutely.

Is 67% a high 2:1?

Degree classifications

Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%) Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2, 2. ii) (50-60%)

Is a 2.1 good for a master's?

A 2.2 degree (lower second class) is awarded when your average falls between 50–59%. A 2.1 is generally seen as a good degree and is widely accepted as the minimum standard for many graduate schemes, postgraduate education, and employment opportunities.

What are the top 3 graduates called?

The top graduates are typically called the Valedictorian (highest GPA) and Salutatorian (second-highest GPA) in high school, while colleges use Latin honors: Summa cum Laude (highest), Magna cum Laude (great praise), and Cum Laude (with praise) for tiered academic excellence. These titles, along with specific GPA cutoffs, vary by institution. 

What are the 4 types of degrees?

The four main types of academic degrees, in ascending order, are Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees, representing increasing levels of education from introductory (Associate) to the highest academic achievement (Doctorate) for specialized research or professional practice.
 

What degree is lowest to highest?

The standard order of college degrees from lowest to highest is: Associate Degree, followed by a Bachelor's Degree, then a Master's Degree, and finally a Doctoral Degree, with professional degrees often grouped with doctorates or as a specialized track, representing increasing levels of depth, specialization, and research.
 

How important is getting a first class degree?

First-degree graduates who achieved First Class Honours were more likely than others to be in full-time UK employment 15 months after graduation. In fact, they consistently achieved better outcomes across all measures.

Is a 2.1 good for a PhD?

A: Yes, many PhD programs accept students with 2.1 honors degrees, particularly if they've also completed a Master's program with strong results. Some exceptional students with high 2.1 degrees might secure PhD positions directly.

Is a 4.0 GPA good in college?

Yes, a 4.0 GPA in college is exceptional, representing perfect grades (all A's) and placing you in the top tier of students, making you highly competitive for top graduate programs, scholarships, and demanding internships, but it's crucial to balance it with challenging coursework and extracurriculars for a well-rounded experience. While a 4.0 shows immense dedication and mastery, some suggest focusing less on the number and more on overall learning and growth, as employers value skills and experience alongside academics, according to U.S. News & World Report, Quora users, and Reddit users, and LinkedIn users.